**Bhopal Gears Up for Diwali Firecracker Sales Amid Challenges**
*Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh):* Preparations for the Diwali firecracker markets are underway in the state capital, but traders are facing a subdued season. The after-effects of the Harda factory blast, coupled with tighter administrative scrutiny, have dampened the Rs 30-crore fireworks trade.
Following the Harda tragedy, nearly 20 firecracker traders faced action, including warehouse sealing and shop closures. With few approved storage sites available, many vendors are struggling to procure and stock firecrackers safely.
**Changing Buyer Preferences and New Regulations**
While demand for firecrackers remains, buyers are shifting preferences from traditional string bombs and sparklers to multi-shot cakes, sky shots, and flying candles. This year, only green firecrackers—those producing lower emissions and limited to 125 decibels—are permitted. Rope bombs continue to remain banned to ensure safety and environmental standards.
**Dependence on Other States**
Nearly 60% of Bhopal’s firecrackers come from Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, with another 30% sourced from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Due to the unavailability of local warehouses, small vendors often rely on Indore for storage, which increases transportation costs. Traders have also reported inflationary pressures caused by limited imports of raw materials from China.
“The business is slow this year, but we expect sales to pick up in the last few days before Diwali,” said a local dealer.
**Major Markets and Safety Rules**
The administration has permitted firecracker sales at 12 designated locations across the city, including Halalpur, Bairagarh, Gandhi Nagar, Bittan Market, Anand Nagar, Jamburi, Berasia, TT Nagar, Lily Talkies, BHEL, ITI, and the Dussehra ground in Kolar.
Despite earlier efforts to relocate outlets away from densely populated areas such as Halalpur and Devki Nagar, temporary licenses continue to be issued in these localities each year.
**Safety Protocols Enforced**
To ensure public safety, the following measures are in place:
– 24-hour fire and ambulance services on standby
– No shops allowed near residential or parking areas
– Minimum 15-meter gap between stalls
– Water drums placed within 20 meters of each shop
**Cautious Optimism Among Traders**
“The crackdown and shortage of warehouses have slowed business, but we hope Diwali shoppers will revive the market,” said Raj Chandani, president of the Firecracker Association.
As Diwali approaches, both traders and authorities remain vigilant, balancing festive celebrations with safety and environmental considerations.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-firecracker-market-slows-amid-tighter-curbs-warehouse-crunch-dependence-on-other-states-rises-to-90
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